Pan-Seared Chicken with Spearfish-Inspired Herb Butter

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender chicken breasts pan-seared and topped with a fragrant herb butter inspired by the fresh flavors found in Spearfish, South Dakota. This american-inspired chicken (gluten free) ready in about 22 minutes pairs unsalted butter, finely chopped fresh parsley leaves, finely chopped fresh thyme leaves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 12 min Serves 2 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each), season both sides with 1 tsp kosher salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add the chicken breasts and sear for 5-6 minutes on one side without moving until golden brown and edges are crispy.
  3. Step 3: Flip the chicken and cook for another 5 minutes until an internal temperature of 165°F is reached and juices run clear.
  4. Step 4: Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine 4 tbsp unsalted butter softened, 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley, 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh thyme, 3 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tbsp lemon juice. Mix well until creamy and fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Remove chicken from the skillet and let rest for 3 minutes. Top each breast with 2 tbsp of the herb butter while still warm to melt over the surface for a glossy, flavorful finish.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Spearfish-Inspired Herb Butter take to make?

Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Chicken with Spearfish-Inspired Herb Butter?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep unsalted butter from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken with Spearfish-Inspired Herb Butter?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Pan-Seared Chicken with Spearfish-Inspired Herb Butter for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Pan-Seared Chicken with Spearfish-Inspired Herb Butter gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

Related recipes